Endoscopy Unit

The term Endoscopy is used to describe the direct visual examination of any part of the interior of the body through an optical viewing instrument.

This can be through the mouth into the stomach (gastroscopy), through the anus into the large bowel (colonoscopy), through the nose into the lungs (bronchoscopy), or through the urethra to the bladder (cystoscopy).

Another examination that is performed by the endoscopy staff is ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). A dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts using a flexible, video endoscope. Then x-rays are taken to outline the bile ducts and pancreas.

The Endoscopy Unit at UCLH is one of the largest units in the UK performing over 10,000 procedures per year. There are 5 rooms and a 16 bay recovery area. We perform complex hepatobiliary and pancreatic endoscopy as one of the leading units in the UK with a very large tertiary referral practice. We also have one of the largest upper gastrointestinal practices in Europe treating oesophago-gastric cancers and Barrett's oesophagus. UCLH is also the main North London screening centre for colorectal cancer.

The UCH Endoscopy Unit is available from Monday to Saturday from 9am until 5pm. Arrangements outside of these hours should be directed via the main switchboard.

Conditions treated

Barretts Oesophagus

Stomach cancer – early and advanced

Oeosphageal cancer

Gastro-intestinal stroma tumours of the upper intestinal tract

Gasto-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

Hiatus hernias

Achalasia

Gastroparesis

Bile duct stones

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Cholangiocarcinoma

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cysts

Colon cancer and polyps

Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis

Service performance

In 2012/2013 we carried out over 11,000 procedures

Patient aftercare

Patient aftercare is dependent on nature of the condition. Some patients will be suitable to be managed in the community by their GP, some will require ongoing hospital visits, and some will be discharged after treatment.

Patient support services

All conditions are supported by a clinical nurse specialist, and patients and relatives are able to access complementary therapies during their outpatient appointment or inpatient stay with us. We have an on-call team 24/7 for any urgent cases.There is also a Macmillan Advice Centre within the Outpatient Building providing support and advice on cancer-related conditions to patients and relatives.